Pilot killed in ultralight crash

Police are investigating the route of a plane involved in a fatal crash on the New South Wales mid north coast this afternoon.

The pilot who died was the only occupant of an ultralight aircraft which crashed on Mitchells Island near Taree around midday (AEDT).

Detective Inspector Peter McKenna says police are working to identify the pilot, where the plane came from and why it crashed.

"Detectives from Manning Great Lakes command will undertake that investigation," he said.

"The will be assisted by specialist police from the NSW police Air Wing as well as investigators from the Recreational Aviation of Australia. The investigation will be undertaken on behalf of the state coroner."